The use of violent force to end the lives of Ali Khamenei and his family members is an unacceptable act, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly. He addressed the assembly on September 26, stating that the killing of the Iranian head of state and his relatives was a violation of norms.

Lavrov's remarks were made during a high-profile session of the UNGA where he represented Russia's opposition to the tactics used in the deaths. The foreign minister emphasized that targeting the leadership of Iran through such force is not permissible.